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Isla De La Juventud Cuba ultimate Tarpon destination

Customer Rating 88%

Tarpon Territory: Fly-Fishing on Isla De La Juventud, Cuba

Isla de la Juventud is one of Cuba’s most remote Tarpon fisheries, a destination where vast flats, hidden lagoons and pressure-free waters deliver some of the most exciting fly fishing in the Caribbean. Set within a protected marine park and fished by only a handful of rods each week, it is as exclusive as it is untamed.

From March through June, Tarpon ranging from 30lb juveniles to triple-digit giants flood the channels and flats. Calm days bring thrilling sight-fishing opportunities as fish roll and charge in clear shallows, while breezier conditions push anglers into sheltered lagoons where ambush predators lie in wait. Beyond Tarpon, the variety is rich: Bonefish tailing on white sand, Permit sliding across turtle grass, and Jacks and Barracuda providing relentless action between encounters with Silver Kings.

Fishing is from modern skiffs launched directly from the liveaboard, ensuring no wasted transfers and maximising time on the water. Days run dawn to dusk, guided by seasoned locals who adapt each session to conditions, tides and angler experience.

After the fishing, comfort is close at hand. The liveaboard moors just minutes from the flats, providing air-conditioned cabins, freshly prepared seafood, and fine Cuban hospitality. Evenings on deck with a glass in hand and the sea breeze at your back are part of the experience.

For anglers who like the idea of chasing powerful Tarpon in true solitude, while enjoying the comfort of a private liveaboard, Isla de la Juventud offers a Cuban holiday that combines exclusivity, adventure and reward.

Isle of Youth CubaIsle of Youth Cuba

FISHING Seasons

The season runs from March to June.

Bonefish

Season: March to June
Peak: April & May
Weight: 1lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 5lb

Permit

Season: March to June
Peak: April & May
Weight: 1lb to 30lb
Average Weight: 10lb

Tarpon

Season: March to June
Peak: April & May
Weight: 10lb to 130lb
Average Weight: 45lb

Package Details

Tour code CUB004  

Included

  • Isla De La Juventud Conservation Fee - $300
  • Fishing as per itinerary
  • Fishing licence
  • Full board
  • Fully guided
  • Local alcohol
  • Lodge transfers
  • Lunch on the boat
  • Main accommodation
  • Overnight hotel
  • Soft drinks
  • Taxes
  • Twin room

Excluded

  • Airport transfers
  • Emergency medical evacuation insurance
  • Personal holiday insurance
  • Tips
  • Visa (If required)

Optional extras

  • Airport parking
  • Flight upgrades
  • Extra bags
  • Additional nights
  • Single rooms
  • One-to-one guiding
  • Single angler skiffs
  • Additional activities
  • Add-on tours

Itinerary

Day 1

Any international airport - Havana

Depart Any international airport - Arrive Havana Depart Any international airport - Arrive Havana
 

Depart: TBA

Arrive: José Martí International Airport

General Note General Note
 

Please note: Depending on your chosen international airport, an overnight flight and/or hotel stay may be required, which may affect your departure and return dates. Your itinerary will be finalised once travel arrangements are confirmed.

Independent flight/travel arrangements can be accommodated, though our flight-inclusive packages are recommended to ensure seamless integration into your holiday plans.

Transfer from Havana Airport to your overnight hotel Transfer from Havana Airport to your overnight hotel
 

Once you’ve landed and collected your bags, take a taxi (not included) to your overnight hotel. After checking in, you’re free to relax or explore this beautiful city at your leisure.

Havana Standard Hotel Overnight Accommodation
 

Havana Standard Hotel in a Twin Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis

Day 2

Havana - Isla de la Juventud

Transfer from your overnight hotel to Havana Airport Transfer from your overnight hotel to Havana Airport
 

Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel lobby and transferred to the airport for your internal flight.

Depart Havana - Arrive Isla de la Juventud Depart Havana - Arrive Isla de la Juventud
 

Depart: José Martí International Airport

Arrive: Siguanea Airport

Transfer from Isla de la Juventud Airport to your liveaboard accommodation Transfer from Isla de la Juventud Airport to your liveaboard accommodation
 

On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your liveaboard accommodation, where you’ll check in and get settled before setting sail towards the Isle of Youth fishing grounds.

Avalon F II Overnight Accommodation
 

Avalon F II in a Twin Room on a Full board basis

Days 3-4

Isla de la Juventud (Fishing Days)

Fishing Fishing
 

On fishing days one and two, you’ll get to experience your first taste of the fantastic saltwater fly fishing on offer at Isle De La Juventud -considered by many to be some of the best flats fishing found anywhere in the world. The destination is ideal for those obsessed with monster Tarpon, as resident and migratory specimens are abundant across the marine ecosystem. Between March and June, fish over 100lb regularly get landed, and the destination consistently exceeds expectations.

A typical day of fishing will consist of:
7:00am: Wake-up call.
7:30am: Breakfast.
8:00am: Fishing.

Return late afternoon, shower, relax, and prepare for appetizers and drinks before dinner.

Avalon F II Overnight Accommodation
 

Avalon F II in a Twin Room on a Full board basis

Days 5-6

Isla de la Juventud (Fishing Days)

Fishing Fishing
 

On your third and fourth fishing days, like all the others, you’ll head out with your guide and either wade the flats or fish from the skiffs, depending on your preference and the area you’re fishing.

All the guides are local to the area and know the fishing grounds intimately. In addition, they all receive comprehensive training, initially at Cayo Largo, and then undergo further training at the Jardines de la Reina, meaning that by the time they return to the Isle of Youth, they will be very experienced. 

Note: All the fishing at Isle De La Juventud is based on two anglers per guide. However, it is possible to book a single skiff if you wish.

Avalon F II Overnight Accommodation
 

Avalon F II in a Twin Room on a Full board basis

Days 7-8

Isla de la Juventud (Fishing Days)

Fishing Fishing
 

On your last two days of fishing, if you have a particular species on your bucket list that you’d like to tick off, let your guide know – he will do his best to help you achieve your goals.

While Isle De La Juventud is primarily renowned for its Tarpon fishing, it’s home to all the traditional flats species, with large numbers of Bonefish and Permit and a whole host of reef fish like Jack Crevalle and Barracuda.

Avalon F II Overnight Accommodation
 

Avalon F II in a Twin Room on a Full board basis

Day 9

Isla de la Juventud - Havana

Transfer from your liveaboard accommodation to Isla de la Juventud Airport Transfer from your liveaboard accommodation to Isla de la Juventud Airport
 

On departure day, you will be transferred from your liveaboard accommodation back to the airport, ready for your internal flight back to Havana.

Depart Isla de la Juventud - Arrive Havana Depart Isla de la Juventud - Arrive Havana
 

Depart: Siguanea Airport

Arrive: José Martí International Airport

Transfer from Havana Airport to your overnight hotel Transfer from Havana Airport to your overnight hotel
 

Once you’ve landed and collected your bags, take a taxi (not included) to your overnight hotel. After checking in, you’re free to relax or explore this beautiful city at your leisure.

Havana Standard Hotel Overnight Accommodation
 

Havana Standard Hotel in a Twin Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis

Day 10

Havana - Any international airport

Transfer from your overnight hotel to Havana Airport Transfer from your overnight hotel to Havana Airport
 

Depending on your flight times, you will need to take a taxi (not included) back to Havana airport, ready for your return journey home.

Depart Havana - Arrive Any international airport Depart Havana - Arrive Any international airport
 

Depart: José Martí International Airport

Arrive: TBA

General Note General Note
 

Please note: Depending on your chosen international airport, an overnight flight and/or hotel stay may be required, which may affect your departure and return dates. Your itinerary will be finalised once travel arrangements are confirmed.

Independent flight/travel arrangements can be accommodated, though our flight-inclusive packages are recommended to ensure seamless integration into your holiday plans.

Dates, Prices & Availability

The FCDO is now advising against all but essential travel to Cuba. This follows severe and worsening disruption across the country, including:

  • Persistent nationwide power outages
  • Significant fuel shortages
  • Disruption to transport networks
  • Reduced access to medical services
  • Temporary changes to tourism operations
  • Flight schedule disruption due to aviation fuel shortages

Cuba is experiencing sustained infrastructure challenges that are directly affecting the reliability of basic services. Fuel rationing has been introduced, and public services have been scaled back. Airlines are reviewing routes and, in some cases, cancelling services, which risks travellers being unable to leave the country as planned.

If your preferred week or travel dates do not appear in the calendar above, please get in touch. Many lodges release availability in stages, and some dates depend on tides, seasons, guide schedules, or short-notice changes. By speaking with us directly, you will receive the most up to date availability and clear guidance on securing the strongest options before popular weeks fill.
Enquire now and we will check live availability for the dates you are considering.

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Customer Reviews

Average customer satisfaction score 88%
Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

"A fantastic experience for my wife and I, the hotel is basic but the attentive staff mean you do not want for anything. Polite, friendly and efficient, they were great.

The staff are friendly, professional, and really know their fishing.

They go out of their way to help you.

A great holiday, a very different slice of Cuba on the Island, we will be back!"

Frank

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

"Just returned from another great trip, had some fantastic fishing everyday. On some days I hooked up 8 Tarpon but on average only landed 1 big Tarpon per day. Also had plenty of Bones, Snook and some big snappers up to 25lb all on the fly. Only had one issue with a slight delay on the return transfer back to Havana. As normal a great trip so a huge thanks."

John

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

"Fishing was great and just what we wanted.

Unfortunately the Cubans disorganised bumped out of Park central to cheaper hotel way outside the city (very Poor) should get a refund for that.

Return Flight from Isle of youth changed to a ferry - should get a refund for that as well.

Over all good but let down by poor communication in Cuba "

Geoff

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

"A great week on the Isle of Youth with Jack Simpson, thanks for organising everything Regards Matt"

Matt

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

"The fishing was spoilt by the first tropical storm "andrew"; not your fault! Boat Georgiana and skiff excellent. It would have been helpful to have a guide who spoke more English; I gave and will continue to give Louis lessons and an appropriate vocabulary for the task! As a fisher guide he was excellent and tried hard and sometimes successfully to find fish despite the heavy rain and high winds 3 /4 foot waves between cays, reef inaccessible with 6 foot plus waves. In the end I did get 19 fish incl 3 Tarpon and several Bonefish some big Barracuda (45lbs) and one 15 lbs Red Snapper, but mainly because I was prepared to spin and troll as well as fly fish. So overall I enjoyed my holidays even tho the weather did its best to spoil it.

A tip for anyone going fly fishing always take a light spinning outfit with you, for if like me you get caught in a storm you can still spin on bad days which is much better than sitting indoors moaning about the weather."

Ian

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

"Jack Simpson and the rest of the fishing 'crew' made the trip worthwhile. I think that the Hotel facilities could be greatly improved as its getting very tired now."

George

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

"On arrival to havana met by agent no problem, but transport had not been arranged and we were asked what we wanted cabs or taxi.we opted for minio bus as all traveling together,then we had to wait for nearly an hour for it to arrive.

From rancho it should have been again early morning,we were advised by rancho manager it could ? be an early flight and if it did not fly it could be 19.00 an offer of the ferry was put in place which we took and some nine hours later arrive in havana.
"

James

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

"Had a great holiday with a great group of customers, had one small issue on arrival with no single room available as booked, apart from that it all went perfect. Thanks to everyone."

Michael

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

"Thank you all for a fantastic holiday and fishing trip.

Isle of Youth is a top class operation and destination for Tarpon on the fly.

Hotel is basic but the staff with the private dinning room for fishing guests made it all acceptable.

We have posted you some pictures with some great action shots so hope you enjoy them.

Thank you for all your help."

Charles

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

"We stayed at Hotel Rancho for 2 weeks tarpon fishing, and can honestly say we all had the fishing experience of our life.

So glad that we opted for 2 weeks for somedays were far better than others (Not sure what it just seemed somedays we could find more tarpon than others so well worth spending the extra time)

The boat ride as others have mentioned before each morning and return back to the dock can be quite rough as its a large open channel. Make sure you take a good coat as the wind combined with wind spray chills you right down.

We booked everything through Sportquest Holidays as it was the complete package and the right deal for us. We are either far to busy or lazy to make all the arrangements, they even supplied us with the Cuban tourist visas. It was all to easy.

I believe we will have to return in a few years time, as we would like to look at the Seychelles for next year please."

Percy

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

"The accommodation was very basic but if you are going like us for fishing it is more than adequate.

The fishing, guides and boats are all top class and well worth all the travel and visit.

Our group of doctors enjoyed the trip immensely, so a huge thank you to everyone involved.

Havana was also an interesting place, but you can already see how its changing with the influence of other countries.

Regards Wilfred"

Wilfred

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

"Isle of Youth was a real gem in a stunning country.

Not to much to say apart from we enjoyed the trip with some first class fishing. The tarpon are insane

Would we go back? yes we would love to."

Baxter

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

"My third time to Cuba and probably my best. The fishing was fantastic and everyone who I met on the trip made me feel very welcome and at home. "

Carl

Accommodation

Jardines Avalon F2 is a beautifully appointed 130-foot liveaboard yacht offering a memorable way to experience the pristine waters of Jardines de la Reina. Launched in 2014, it’s a larger and more modern sister vessel to Avalon I, with enhanced space, comfort, and style throughout. Designed specifically for anglers and divers, it provides the perfect balance of exploration capabilities and refined, intimate living.

The yacht features 10 deluxe staterooms, each with a private en-suite bathroom, individual climate controls, ample storage, and panoramic windows offering stunning views of the Caribbean. While the vessel can accommodate up to 20 guests, we recommend groups of 10 to 16 anglers for optimal comfort and personalised service.

Onboard, you’ll find a spacious lounge, dining area, and a well-stocked bar – all air-conditioned and tastefully decorated to provide a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re enjoying sundowners on the deck, plugging in devices at your convenience (220v and 110v sockets), or simply soaking in the spectacular surroundings, Avalon F2 offers a seamless blend of comfort, elegance, and adventure.

Food & Drink

The food and drink on the vessel are as luxurious as the accommodation itself. Menus are wide-ranging with local and western cuisine; however, the chefs onboard are renowned for their delicious fresh fish, lobster and conch dishes, accompanied by a wide range of vegetables and salad.

A wide range of soft drinks and beer is available, and a selection of house wines gets served with every evening meal. Spirits don’t get included, but it’s effortless to pick up a bottle from the airport on your journey, and the staff will be more than happy to provide you with great rum cocktails.

Other Liveaboards

These other vessels are available on request, and you can find out more information on each by clicking the boat name below…

Jardines Avalon I
Jardines Avalon II
Jardines Avalon III
Jardines Avalon IV

fly fishing The Isle Of Youth

Isla De La Juventud, or the Isle of Youth, as it’s also known, is located 100 kilometres off the coast of mainland Cuba, approximately on the same longitude as Havana. Comparable in size to the Florida Keys, it’s the largest of the 350 islets in the Archipelago de Los Canarreos and a myriad of mangrove islets, sandy flats and turtle grass expanses. Said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s ‘Treasure Island’, Isla de la Juventud is steeped in history and tradition and is a world away from the crowded white sand beaches of Varadero and other more tourist-focused areas in Cuba.

Home to one of the best world-class saltwater fly fishing destinations for Tarpon. The Isla De La Juventud offers some of the best flats fishing found anywhere in the world. Combined with our luxury liveaboard accommodation Avalon F1 fishes the remote flats in the chain of keys that run from the Isle of Youth seventy-five kilometres east to the end Key called Cayo Largo.

This destination is ideal for saltwater fly fishing anglers with an obsession for monster Tarpon, as both resident and migratory specimens are abundant across the whole marine ecosystem. Between March and June, fish to over 100lb regularly get landed, and the destination consistently exceeds expectations.

This destination can be booked as either an exclusive party of between 8 to 12 anglers, it is also possible to book as individuals on certain dates to make up group bookings. Call our offices on 01603 407596 for availability

Isle of Youth CubaIsle of Youth Cuba
Isle of Youth CubaIsle of Youth Cuba

Fly Fishing For Tarpon

The majority of saltwater fly fishing anglers travelling to the Isla De Juventud do so to sample the world-class Tarpon fishing that the destination has to offer. Without a doubt, sport for these specimen silver bars is some of the finest you’ll find anywhere in the Caribbean and possibly even the world. While the spring and summer months are typically the most consistent, with a peak in April and May, the fish are abundant throughout the year.

When the waters and weather are calm with light winds, polling the flats is the most productive method. Generally, the fish in this area will be between 30lb to 80lb; however, larger specimens to over 100lb are not uncommon and caught on a fairly regular basis.

When the weather is harsh and visibility affected by clouds and rain, success can be enjoyed by fishing the channels and lagoons, many of which hold a surprising water depth, attracting some of the most significant specimens. The guides know the area’s where the biggest fish lay, and it’s one of the most effective ways of hooking them, and they’re almost always there.

As well as Tarpon, Isla De Juventud is home to all the traditional flats species, with large numbers of Bonefish and Permit, as well as a whole host of reef fish like Jack Crevalle and Barracuda.

A Typical Day Fly Fishing On The Isla De La Juventud

Isla De La Juventud is ideal for fly-fishermen who wish to live and experience fishing from dawn till dusk. They offer more fishing hours than any other destination and are totally at the angler’s discretion.

A regular day usually begins with a hearty breakfast around 7.00 am before departing with your guides at around 8.00 am. The advantage of staying right on the fishing grounds on the liveaboard, is the skiffs get accessed from the deck of the boat, and you can generally be fishing within one or two minutes after setting off. The liveaboard Avalon F1 explores the remote waters and Marine Park of the Canarreos Archipelago and reaches areas beyond any land-based flats skiffs, fishing waters that rarely see other anglers.

After fishing all morning and with the accommodation so close, it’s common to head back for lunch, escaping the hottest of the midday sun and relaxing for an hour before heading back out for the afternoon. The afternoon session usually runs between 4.00pm and dusk, when you’ll return to base to get showered and settled for dinner.

To find out more about saltwater fly fishing in Cuba at Isla De La Juventud, visit our YouTube channel

Isle of Youth CubaIsle of Youth Cuba
Isle of Youth CubaIsle of Youth Cuba

The Guides & Skiffs In Cuba

All the fishing is based on two anglers per guide, unless you have upgraded to a single skiff and as you’d expect, all are local to the area and know the fishing grounds intimately. In addition, they all receive comprehensive training, initially at Cayo Largo and then undergo further training at the Jardines de la Reina, meaning by the time they return to the Isle of Youth, they are suitably experienced. Finally, given some guidance on what you want to fish for and how you would like to fish, they will work the area available to locate the best possible fishing opportunities, whether on the flats for Tarpon or mangrove edges for Snook and Bonefish.

The majority of the fishing at Isla De La Juventud gets conducted from the bow of the famous Cuban Dolphin Skiffs, powered by 70HP outboards designed to negotiate the saltwater environment. However, there are opportunities for wade fishing as well.

On the Isla De La Juventud, it’s possible to fish all year round. However, the most stable weather patterns are experienced from November to the end of July. Off-season, the island is susceptible to hurricanes, and numerous islands are eerily scarred with swathes of dead mangroves that have been stripped of their foliage. Average temperatures range from 23 degrees in January to 28 degrees in August, the hottest month.

Videos

Watch the latest videos from this destination.

Reviews

Frank

A fantastic experience for my wife and I, the hotel is basic but the attentive staff mean you do not want for anything. Polite, friendly and efficient, they were great.

The staff are friendly, professional, and really know their fishing.

They go out of their way to help you.

A great holiday, a very different slice of Cuba on the Island, we will be back!

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Frank so glad that both you and your partner enjoyed the trip and a big thank you for all your great comments I will make sure they are passed on.

I look forward in talking to you to hear first hand how the holiday went.

it was a pleasure looking after you both and I look forward in helping you both again soon

Regards Peter

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

John

Just returned from another great trip, had some fantastic fishing everyday. On some days I hooked up 8 Tarpon but on average only landed 1 big Tarpon per day. Also had plenty of Bones, Snook and some big snappers up to 25lb all on the fly. Only had one issue with a slight delay on the return transfer back to Havana. As normal a great trip so a huge thanks.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Mr Hartley, was great talking to you on the phone after your trip, glad the weather was kind this year and by the sound of it the fish keen to bite. going 8 for 1 on the tarpon is frustrating but all the same great fun. I look forward in arranging your next trip, plus you also have Mexico to look forward to. Kind Regards Peter

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Geoff

Fishing was great and just what we wanted.

Unfortunately the Cubans disorganised bumped out of Park central to cheaper hotel way outside the city (very Poor) should get a refund for that.

Return Flight from Isle of youth changed to a ferry - should get a refund for that as well.

Over all good but let down by poor communication in Cuba

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Geoff

Thanks for your feedback as all this information is very useful to everyone involved. We are extremely sorry that on your first night in Havana your hotel was changed. This is one of the most frustrating points with Cuba along with the internal flights. Unfortunately as the country is still very poor organisation skills are lacking. With the flights if locals wish to fly they get given preference and tourists get bumped of the flights. Normally you would just be put on to later internal flights and this is the very first time any of our customers have been put on a ferry back to the mainland as an alternative.

I have spoken to Simon about this in detail and would just like to say sorry from us a Sportquest Holidays.

On the positive note it was great to hear that you all enjoyed the fishing as the tarpon were in perfect form. There is nothing like these Tarpon chasing down your flies and then leaving you to pray that you can keep them on the line.

I see that you have also suggested a couple of other destinations that you would like to try next. If we can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Regards Peter

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Matt

A great week on the Isle of Youth with Jack Simpson, thanks for organising everything Regards Matt

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Matt, thanks for your comments and feedback, it was good to talk to you on the telephone and look forward in arranging your next trip.

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Ian

The fishing was spoilt by the first tropical storm "andrew"; not your fault! Boat Georgiana and skiff excellent. It would have been helpful to have a guide who spoke more English; I gave and will continue to give Louis lessons and an appropriate vocabulary for the task! As a fisher guide he was excellent and tried hard and sometimes successfully to find fish despite the heavy rain and high winds 3 /4 foot waves between cays, reef inaccessible with 6 foot plus waves. In the end I did get 19 fish incl 3 Tarpon and several Bonefish some big Barracuda (45lbs) and one 15 lbs Red Snapper, but mainly because I was prepared to spin and troll as well as fly fish. So overall I enjoyed my holidays even tho the weather did its best to spoil it.

A tip for anyone going fly fishing always take a light spinning outfit with you, for if like me you get caught in a storm you can still spin on bad days which is much better than sitting indoors moaning about the weather.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Ian, thanks for you feedback and comments I will pas them on to the guides. Yes I am sorry about the weather its a pain when tropical storms hit as they effect the fishing so much. But I loved your attitude about just getting on with it and the proof was in your results even in one of the worst fishing weeks possible. Regards Peter

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

George

Jack Simpson and the rest of the fishing 'crew' made the trip worthwhile. I think that the Hotel facilities could be greatly improved as its getting very tired now.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

George, thanks for your comments I will make sure they are passed on to the guides and Jack Simpson. I am glad that you enjoyed your trip and you caught what you wanted. Sorry about the hotel Rancho, as you know its a basic Cuban hotel well off the beaten tourist track. Its the only option we have for the land based operation, however we do have two live aboard options for the Isle of Youth which are now becoming very popular. Regards Mel

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

James

On arrival to havana met by agent no problem, but transport had not been arranged and we were asked what we wanted cabs or taxi.we opted for minio bus as all traveling together,then we had to wait for nearly an hour for it to arrive.

From rancho it should have been again early morning,we were advised by rancho manager it could ? be an early flight and if it did not fly it could be 19.00 an offer of the ferry was put in place which we took and some nine hours later arrive in havana.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

James

Thank you for taking the time to complete the customer feedback.

In relation to the transfer on arrival, this part is not included in the package, as you said our agents were there to meet you and normally they would arrange to have cars awaiting for you. However as there was 8 in your group they wanted to wait to see if you all wanted to get a minibus or 2 taxis.

I have spoken to Simon about the return flights from the Isle of youth. We are sorry that due to the sheer amount of locals who wished to fly that day that you got bumped of both flights back to the mainland. This is the very first time any of our customers have been transferred back via ferry as normally if you get bumped of one flight they just put you on the next one. So again a huge apology for this but its was very out of the normal.

Glad to hear that you all loved the trip and the fishing was just as expected. Also good news that the Tarpon fishing was on form and we look forward in getting some great copies of all your pictures.

Thank you for all your custom and we look forward in assisting you again in the near future.

Regards Peter

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Michael

Had a great holiday with a great group of customers, had one small issue on arrival with no single room available as booked, apart from that it all went perfect. Thanks to everyone.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Glad you had a great trip, not to sure what went wrong in Havana with the single room, but glad it all got sorted in the end. Will look forward in seeing your pictures. Regards Peter

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Charles

Thank you all for a fantastic holiday and fishing trip.

Isle of Youth is a top class operation and destination for Tarpon on the fly.

Hotel is basic but the staff with the private dinning room for fishing guests made it all acceptable.

We have posted you some pictures with some great action shots so hope you enjoy them.

Thank you for all your help.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Charles

Thank you again for the feedback and chat.

I have also received the pictures and will put them in a blog ... thanks.

I look forward in chatting with you all again soon

Tight lines

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Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Percy

We stayed at Hotel Rancho for 2 weeks tarpon fishing, and can honestly say we all had the fishing experience of our life.

So glad that we opted for 2 weeks for somedays were far better than others (Not sure what it just seemed somedays we could find more tarpon than others so well worth spending the extra time)

The boat ride as others have mentioned before each morning and return back to the dock can be quite rough as its a large open channel. Make sure you take a good coat as the wind combined with wind spray chills you right down.

We booked everything through Sportquest Holidays as it was the complete package and the right deal for us. We are either far to busy or lazy to make all the arrangements, they even supplied us with the Cuban tourist visas. It was all to easy.

I believe we will have to return in a few years time, as we would like to look at the Seychelles for next year please.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Percy

Thanks for talking to me and for your feedback, so glad that you all enjoyed the trip and that the 2 weeks worked out perfectly.

I am not sure why you somedays see more fish than others, as we talked about sometimes its just the difference in where you look as its such a vast area, sometimes your paths cross with more fish than other days.

Also thanks for the point about the boat crossing, I know from personal experience that the crossing can be quite cold in the wind. So thanks for mentioning it so everyone can see from a customers perspective.

Talk again soon.

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Would recommend Sportquest

Wilfred

The accommodation was very basic but if you are going like us for fishing it is more than adequate.

The fishing, guides and boats are all top class and well worth all the travel and visit.

Our group of doctors enjoyed the trip immensely, so a huge thank you to everyone involved.

Havana was also an interesting place, but you can already see how its changing with the influence of other countries.

Regards Wilfred

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Dr Wilfred

It was so nice catching up with you on the telephone and listening to all your very amusing stories.

Yes as we had discussed the accommodation is basic, but as you have kindly said it has everything an angler needs, after all it is only for sleeping in. At least the rooms are all air conditioned and have private bathrooms.

I trust I will talk to you all again soon and look forward in assisting you for the next adventure.

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Would recommend Sportquest

Baxter

Isle of Youth was a real gem in a stunning country.

Not to much to say apart from we enjoyed the trip with some first class fishing. The tarpon are insane

Would we go back? yes we would love to.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Thank you for the review, I have tried to call you to discuss your trip in more detail. perhaps you can call me in the office when you have some free time.

Glad you liked the trip and hope that we can help you again in the future sometime soon.

Tight lines

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Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Carl

My third time to Cuba and probably my best. The fishing was fantastic and everyone who I met on the trip made me feel very welcome and at home.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Hi Carl, thank you for the feedback, so glad to hear you had a great trip.

Regards Peter

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Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

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FAQ

Isla de la Juventud, also known as the Isle of Youth, lies 100 kilometres off mainland Cuba and is the largest of the 350 islets in the Archipelago de Los Canarreos.
The destination is world-famous for Tarpon, with additional opportunities for Bonefish, Permit, Jack Crevalle, and Barracuda across the flats and channels.
Resident and migratory Tarpon between 30lb and 80lb are common, while fish exceeding 100lb aren’t uncommon.
Tarpon are present all year, but peak fishing occurs in spring and early summer, especially April and May when large migratory fish arrive.
Anglers fly fish from skiffs or by poling the flats in calm weather, and when the weather is harsh, they switch to fishing deeper channels and lagoons.
The combination of resident and migratory Tarpon, vast untouched flats, and the liveaboard experience exploring remote waters makes it truly unique.
Guests stay aboard the Avalon F1 liveaboard, offering direct access to the fishing grounds, comfortable cabins, and all meals included.
The liveaboard accommodates exclusive parties of 8 to 12 anglers, though individual places can be booked on selected dates.
Days start with breakfast at 7am, fishing begins within minutes as skiffs launch directly from the liveaboard deck, with a midday break for lunch before returning to the flats for an afternoon session until dusk.
Combining excellent fishing hours, pristine flats, and consistent catches of Tarpon up to 100lb, the Isle of Youth consistently exceeds expectations for serious saltwater fly anglers.
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